A surprise move from CMLS to NTREIS; 2 Texas associations merge 

Editor's note: From regional and statewide players to locals focused on a single market, multiple listings services and Realtor associations are the backbone of residential real estate. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the organizations that are shaping the future of the industry.

René Galicia leaves CMLS for new role at NTREIS

North Texas Real Estate Information Systems (NTREIS) has named René Galicia to serve as its executive vice president and general counsel. The move comes less than five months after Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) appointed Galicia to serve as its COO.

In the role, which is a new one for NTREIS, Galicia will "support strategic planning; member and shareholder engagement; technology and data governance; vendor and partnership management; compliance and risk management; and business development efforts," according to a news release.

Before his stint at CMLS, Galicia served as EVP of policy counsel and strategic partnerships at Bright MLS, director of MLS engagement at the National Association of Realtors and as director of compliance and data licensing at California Regional MLS.

At NTREIS, an organization with over 53,000 subscribers in North Texas, Galicia said he aims "to blend operational excellence with proactive legal strategies, positioning NTREIS as a forward‑thinking leader amid evolving technology, diverse subscriber needs, while delivering exceptional value and service."

Galicia "brings a rare combination of deep MLS operational experience and legal expertise that is exactly what this moment demands," NTREIS CEO Chris Carrillo said. "The industry is at a crossroads of policy, technology, and litigation, reshaping consumer expectations in real time." 

With Carrillo on the CMLS board, a NTREIS spokesperson told Real Estate News that "NTREIS and René remain fully committed to CMLS"  — and since Galicia is now at NTREIS, "he can offer to serve on CMLS committees and assist the CMLS mission as a member and advance the good work being done there."

Texas associations merge

The Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors (GFWAR) and the Greater Lewisville Association of Realtors (GLAR) have entered into a new partnership. The deal received "overwhelming approval" by both associations' boards of directors and membership, the associations announced.

The groups will combine under the GFWAR name "while preserving GLAR's legacy through a dedicated local council," according to a news release. Pre-merger, GLAR had 1,200 members, while GFWAR had 5,000 members.

"This partnership isn't just a merger; it's a powerful collaboration that positions us to serve our members and communities better," said Paul Epperley, 2025 president of GFWAR. "Together, we're amplifying our voice, growing our reach and ensuring every REALTOR has the tools and support they need to succeed."

There will be no change to members' MLS access, dues or office locations. As part of the deal, the combined group will push forward "a unified advocacy agenda at the local, state, and national levels," the release said, and members will gain access to tools — such as CubiCasa and RealSatisfied — and training opportunities through the GFWAR Academy.

Stellar MLS subsidiary allies with Latin American trade group

Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS that advocates for the adoption of MLSs globally, has formed a strategic alliance with the Confederación Inmobiliaria Latinoamericana (CILA), a private international real estate organization whose 700,000 members serve more than 527 million people — about 80% of Latin America's population.

As part of the deal, UCO will offer MLS expertise and education to CILA brokers and property managers in 18 countries across the region, according to a press release.

"We are delighted to be working with our esteemed colleagues at CILA and share best practices to guide the advancement of real estate across Latin America," said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS.